Rating

7Overall

7
Importance

8
Innovation

7
Style

Recommendation

Professor David Harvey uses Marxist theory to interpret capitalist society and details 17 “contradictions” he finds inherent in capitalism. He offers a well-developed argument, devoid of polemics, that points out the failings of the current economic system. This thought-provoking overview provides a refreshing perspective. Many academics, media commentators, economists and politicians reject any criticism of capitalism, but, Harvey says, they should address market bubbles, income inequality and the recessions that cause financial dislocation and economically inspired wars. His contradictions read more like descriptions of situations than like literal contrasts, but he poses interesting dilemmas. While always politically neutral, getAbstract recommends this book to those who want to discuss capitalism’s problems and possibilities.